March 17, 2013 (Alpine)--You're invited to the Viejas Casino Hotel Grand Opening  on March 23 at 8 p.m.  Join the grand opening weekend VIP party and the world premiere of "Rise." A 30-minute cirque experience specially commissioned for the occasion, this breathtaking exhibition of artistry and acrobatics could only be followed by one thing-fireworks.

Stick around after the show and take in an incredible display that will literally ring in Viejas Hotel's Grand Opening with a bang.

The week-long festival includes keynote speaker, Leilani Munter, the world’s No. 1 Eco-Athlete.

March 15, 2013 (San Diego)--All next week, San Diego State University's Associated Students will host GreenFest, a week-long festival that educates the campus community about sustainability, while promoting school spirit. The keynote speaker, Leilani Munter,is  the world’s number one eco-athlete. For full schedule and details, please read more.

HooleyFest moves to March 16, race takes off on March 17

March 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Sure ‘n’ what could be finer on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, than to take a run to benefit several East County charities – and have a chance to win a bit of green for your efforts?

The5K Hooleys to Hooleys half-marathon  race will benefit the East County Chamber of Commerce, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center,  Home of Guiding Hands, Stoney’s Kids, Partnership with Industry, and the East County Transitional Living Center.  Get a T-shirt for entering and a medal for finishing—plus you can s cash prizes of $500 for the lad and lassie who place first and additional prize money for second and third places. 

Also enjoy Hooleys beer and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day cheer—and don’t forget to wear some green.

March 6, 2013 (Alpine) -- Ready for some revelry?  Don your best masquerade wear for a Mardi Gras Ball presented by the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce on March 16 in the Alpine Community Center from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. 

Festivities will include the New Orleans Band, a costume parade ($100 prize for the best), and the crowning of a Mardi Gras king and queen.  A live auction, tarot card readings and a no-host bar will also be available, along with hand-painted "never empty" signature Mardi Gras glasses for sale.

By Caprice Harrison

March 13, 2013 (Spring Valley) – “Spring Into Healthy Living” on March 20 from 9 a.m. to noon  provides generous opportunities to partake in free health screenings, information sessions, refreshments and enjoy the Health and Wellness Fair. Held at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12006 Campo Road in Spring Valley, the event also includes tours of the facility and Tai Chi and Zumba demonstrations.

March 10, 2013 (Alpine)--The Alpine Woman’s Club will hold their next monthly luncheon on Tuesday, March 19^th at 12:00 noon.  After the meeting, local author, Cordell Falk will talk about his New Fiction Series Release “Valley of the Damned”, taking us back at least 140 years to the barren California desert where conspiracy, intrigue and suspense are on tap. 

March 9, 2013 (Valley Center) -- What could be more relaxing than a Holiday English High Tea served up amid fields of lavender?

On March 16, enjoy an early St. Patrick’s Day tea featuring lavender scones served with jam and Devonshire cream, Irish artisan cheese, apples and candied nut crumbles sandwiches, and decadent Irish butter shortbread dreams. This festive fare will be served up at Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center.

Cost is $35 per person. For details and reservations, see http://www.kclfarm.com/  

March 9, 2013 (Lakeside) - Travel around the world and learn about other cultures, watch traditional country dances, play carnival games and taste exotic foods at Riverview Elementary School and Lakeside Union School District’s 5th Annual International Fair on Saturday, March 16th from 11am to 5pm. This fun-filled community event, complete with a one-of-the-kind silent auction, inflatables for the kids, photo booth, face painting, petting zoo and local product vendor and food booths takes place on the grounds of Riverview Elementary School at 9308 Winter Gardens Boulevard in Lakeside. All proceeds will benefit Riverview’s PTSA to provide field trips, assemblies, art, music and dance for Riverview students. For more information, please call (619) 390-2662, go to http://www.lsusd.net/Domain/690 or check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverview-International-Fair/158649264184882?fref=ts

March 8, 2013 (Santa Ysabel)--Savor local vintages and meet winemakers from our region at Santa Ysabel Casino’s “Meet the Winemakers” event on March 16 from 3-6 p.m.  Participating vintners include J.Jenkins, Woof ‘N Rose, and Witch Creek wineries.

The event costs $30 and includes gourmet appetizers, wine tasting from local vintners, $5 in slot machine play, and $5 toward tasting on a new state-of-the-art wine system. 

March 6, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The County of San Diego is hosting a variety of unique events at parks countywide, include several East County and inland area locations: Agua Caliente Regional Park in the Anza Borrego Desert,  Lake Morena, Lakeside Community Center, Spring Valley Community Center,  Sweetwater Summit Regional Park and Campground in Bonita, Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Preserve, Vallecito County Park, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, Wilderness Gardens Presere, and William Heise County Park in Julian.

Scroll down for detailed listings of activities at each park. For information on park locations and more, also see http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/

February 28, 2013 (Lemon Grove)-- You are there in living color with your three-minute stories of life in Lemon Grove -- hilarious, touching, insightful, factual, mythical!  If you loved "The Audience is the Star" last September, you won't want to miss this new edition of the life and times of Lemon Grovians at their story-telling best.  

By Nadin Abbott; photos by Tom Abbott

February 23, 2013 (La Mesa)-- Brew Ha Ha’s comedy team, Chris Clobber and Diane Jean, had all of us in stitches at the Holiday Inn Mesa Grill on 8000 Parkway Drive last night. The benefit, held to benefit the East County Magazine, Viejas Alerts, and the upcoming launch of ECM’s radio show on KNSJ, was well attended.